Down seasons from the Carolina Panthers and Charlotte Hornets had no impact on the Charlotte Winter book. In fact, they might have helped. The market’s longtime leading sports radio brand WFNZ made history, securing its first #1 finish for a quarter since moving to the FM dial in March 2022.
The Charlotte sports brad ranked first in weekday prime (M-F, 6a-7p) with a 12.2 share according to the latest Nielsen data. WFNZ gained 3.3 shares from the fall, and an even more impressive 4.9 shares year-over-year.
Strong stories existed throughout all dayparts too.
In mornings, Chris “Mac” McClain and Travis “T-Bone” Hancock had the best performance for the quarter with a 14.6 share to finish first with Men 25-54. Their 3.9-share gain from the fall was the largest improvement at the brand as well. Year-over-year, Mac & Bone moved from second to first, adding 5.8 shares in the process.
The two-hour early midday slot with Jeff Rickard and Colin Hoggard produced an 8.4 share for the quarter, up three-tenths of a share from the fall book. That placed the show in third. Charlotte Sports Today accrued a 6.0 share in last year’s winter book, meaning the program has grown by 2.4 shares year-to-year.
The ensuing three-hour midday slot with Walker Mehl and Wes Bryant moved up four ranking positions to first with a 9.9 share for the fall. The duo improved 2.9 shares from the fall, and 3.1 shares year-over-year. Mehl and Bryant joined the WFNZ lineup in the fall of 2022. They had not finished higher than fourth prior to this ratings book.
Kyle Bailey recorded his third consecutive quarter of growth in afternoons, earning a first-place finish with a 12.8 share. Bailey’s figure with Men 25-54 was up from his 8.3 share, fourth-place finish in the fall. Year-to-year, afternoons have picked up 5.8 shares and four ranking positions.
The station’s evening program, Instant Replay, which runs from 6p-7p, and leads into Charlotte Hornets broadcasts ranked first in the market with a 9.8 share. Additionally, the 7p-12a EST block recorded a second-place tie with a 7.7 share with Men 25-54.
For the full week (M-SU, 6a-12a), WFNZ finished first with a 10.4 share. The 2.4-share gain breaks a second-place tie it held during the fall book. Ratings information for FOX Sports Radio Charlotte and 730 The Game was unavailable this quarter.
Ratings reports and analysis are written by BSM and sponsored by Crowd React Media, a division of Harker Bos Group. Learn more about the different ways sports media research can benefit your station and cut through the noise by clicking here.
